What Does a Barrister Do?The legal world can sometimes feel like a maze of confusing titles such as lawyer, solicitor, barrister, attorney. For someone seeking legal help or even considering a career in law, these terms can be overwhelming.
The confusion gets even more deep when comparing the systems across countries, especially between the United States and the United Kingdom. Both nations share a common law heritage, yet their legal professions are structured quite differently.
One of the most fascinating roles in this comparison is that of the barrister. In the UK, barristers are highly trained advocates who specialize in courtroom representation. In the U.S., however, the term “barrister” is not really used, and the closest equivalent is an attorney who regularly appears in court.
What Does a Barrister Do? Understanding the Role in U.S. vs. UK Law-Overview
| Article on | What Does a Barrister Do? Understanding the Role in U.S. vs. UK Law |
| Introduction | Explains how legal titles like barrister, solicitor, lawyer, and attorney can be confusing, especially between the U.S. and UK. |
| Role of a Barrister (UK) | Courtroom advocate, self-employed in chambers, often hired by solicitors for trials and hearings. |
| Training & Pathway | Law degree → Bar Practice Course (BPC) → 1-year pupillage before full qualification. |
| Comparison with U.S. Attorneys | The U.S. doesn’t use the term “barrister.” Attorneys combine advisory work and courtroom representation after earning a JD and passing the bar exam. |
| Skills & Career Outlook | Strong advocacy, research, and communication skills required. Barristers can earn high fees but face income instability; attorneys often have steadier earnings. |
The Role of a Barrister in the UK
In England and Wales, a barrister is a type of lawyer who focuses mainly on courtroom advocacy i.e., standing up in court and arguing a case before a judge. Barristers are often self-employed and work out of offices known as chambers,
where groups of barristers share resources but operate independently. Unlike solicitors, who are usually the first point of contact for the clients, barristers are often brought in later when a case requires specialist advocacy or expert legal opinions. A solicitor may handle the bulk of the paperwork, client meetings, and case preparation, then hire a barrister to argue the case in court.
Training and Becoming a Barrister
The journey to becoming a barrister in the UK is a demanding one. First, aspiring barristers need a qualifying law degree, or if they studied a different subject, they must complete a law conversion course. Then comes the Bar Practice Course (BPC), which teaches the practical skills of advocacy, legal drafting, and professional ethics.
After this, the candidates must complete a pupillage, a year of supervised training under the guidance of an experienced barrister. Pupillage is split into two parts: the first six months of shadowing and the second six months of hands-on casework. Only after successfully completing this stage can someone be “called to the Bar” and practice independently as a barrister.
Solicitors vs. Barristers: Key Differences in the UK
To really understand the barristers, it is helpful to see how they differ from solicitors. A solicitor typically manages the client relationship, provides legal advice, and handles paperwork, contracts, and negotiations. Most of their work is office-based, though solicitors can also appear in lower courts if they have certain rights of audience. A barrister is the courtroom specialist as they are often described as problem-solvers who step in to resolve disputes and present persuasive arguments before judges.
What About the U.S.? Attorneys vs. Barristers
In the United States, the legal profession looks quite different. The word “barrister” is not used at all. Instead, the common term is attorney or lawyer, and these roles combine many of the functions that in the UK are split between barristers and solicitors.
A U.S. attorney can advise the clients, drafting legal documents, and also represent them in court. There is not a separate branch of the profession for courtroom advocacy. While some attorneys may specialize as trial lawyers, all attorneys who pass the bar exam and are licensed in their state have the right to appear in court.
The training path in the U.S. is also different. Instead of starting with an undergraduate law degree, the American lawyers must first earn a Juris Doctor (JD) from a law school, usually after completing a bachelor’s degree in another subject. Afterward, they must pass the bar exam in the state where they wish to practice. Once licensed, they can work in any aspect of law whether courtroom litigation or behind the scenes advisory work.
Why the Difference? Historical Roots of the Two Systems
The split between solicitors and barristers in the UK goes back centuries. The idea was that dividing responsibilities created efficiency and specialization: solicitors would handle paperwork and client care, while barristers would perfect the art of advocacy. Over time, this system became deeply ingrained in British legal culture.
Skills and Qualities of a Barrister
Being a barrister requires a very particular set of skills. They must be excellent communicators, quick thinkers, and persuasive speakers. Advocacy is at the heart of their work, so confidence and clarity under pressure are more necessary.
Earnings and Career Outlook
Money is often a point of curiosity when it comes to barristers. The salaries can be different widely which depends on the experience, location, and area of law. In London, for example, a barrister with five years of experience might earn between £50,000 and £200,000, while highly experienced barristers can earn much more.
By comparison, the U.S. attorneys also see wide salary ranges, but the top earners in big law firms often make six-figure or even seven-figure salaries. One big difference, is stability: many barristers in the UK are self-employed and face uncertain income, while most U.S. attorneys are employed by firms or the organizations, which offers more financial security.
Overlap and Modern Changes
In recent years, the line between solicitors and barristers in the UK has blurred. Some solicitors now have the rights of audience, allowing them to represent clients in higher courts, and some barristers may take on more advisory roles. In the U.S., while there is not a formal split, specialization has become common. Trial lawyers focus heavily on courtroom advocacy, while others work almost exclusively on contracts, corporate law, or regulatory issues.
| Home Page | https://sbbarristers.com/ |
FAQs for What Does a Barrister Do?
Solicitors handle client advice and paperwork while barristers argue cases in court.
No, the U.S. only has attorneys who combine both roles.
Yes, in the UK they traditionally wear wigs and gowns in court.